Instant Pot Cabbage Rolls With Ground Beef and Rice

This one-pot meal is everything you want on a busy night: healthy, tasty, and surprisingly easy. The cabbage rolls cook up perfectly in the Instant Pot, with tender leaves wrapped around a hearty mix of ground beef and rice.

It’s simple, satisfying, and makes cleanup a breeze. A cozy, classic dinner made modern and fuss-free.

Recipe Video

Why This Recipe Works

This delicious Instant Pot cabbage roll recipe takes advantage of the convenience and efficiency offered by the Instant Pot, streamlining the cooking process. By utilizing the Instant Pot's pressure cooking function, the cabbage rolls cook evenly and thoroughly in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods. This simplicity of making these easy Instant Pot cabbage rolls makes the recipe accessible to cooks of all skill levels, eliminating the need for lengthy preparation or constant monitoring.

Ingredients

Cabbage:

For this delicious Instant Pot cabbage roll recipe, green cabbage is the most commonly used variety, prized for its sturdy leaves that are ideal for rolling. Savoy cabbage offers a slightly sweeter flavor and more delicate leaves, while Napa cabbage provides a milder taste and thinner leaves. When selecting cabbage, choose heads that are firm, heavy for their size, and free from blemishes or signs of wilting. The leaves should be tightly packed and crisp, with vibrant green coloration.

Ground Beef:

Ground beef is commonly used in cabbage roll fillings for its rich flavor and satisfying texture. However, for those seeking different tastes or dietary preferences, pork offers a slightly different flavor profile, while turkey provides a leaner option for your stuffed cabbage. Lentils or mushrooms are perfect for vegetarian or vegan offerings, adding a hearty texture and absorbing flavors well.

Rice:

For this recipe for homemade cabbage rolls in an Instant Pot, opt for long-grain white or brown rice. Long-grain rice varieties such as jasmine or basmati provide a light and fluffy texture that complements the hearty filling of the cabbage rolls, whereas brown rice offers additional nutritional benefits and a slightly nuttier flavor.

How to Make Homemade Instant Pot Cabbage Rolls

Steaming the Cabbage

Step One: 

Add the water to your Instant Pot and saute at normal for 5 minutes.

Step Two: 

Once the water is boiling, remove the core from your cabbage and place it inside. Cook until the leaves are soft and pliable. Remove and set aside to cool. Discard the water.

Step Three: 

Once cooled, gently peel the leaves off one by one.

Making the Cabbage Rolls

Step One:

Combine ground beef, onion, garlic, rice, salt, pepper, and egg in a bowl and mix until combined.

Step Two: 

Place a cabbage leaf flat on a clean surface and spoon a portion of the filling onto the bottom of the leaf.

Step Three: 

Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling, then roll it up tightly from the bottom to form a cabbage roll. Repeat with the remaining cabbage leaves and filling.

Making the Sauce

Step One: 

Add the oil, onion, and garlic to your Instant Pot and saute at normal for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.

Step Two: 

Add tomatoes, beef broth, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and vinegar to the pot and stir to combine.

Step Three: 

Using tongs, gently arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the pot, stacking them if necessary.

Step Four: 

Close the lid and cook at normal pressure for 20 minutes.

Step Five: 

When cooking time is complete, wait for a natural release of 10-15 minutes.

Step Six: 

Remove the cabbage rolls and set aside.

Step Seven: 

Stir the cornstarch into the sauce and saute at normal for 5 minutes. Continue to stir it frequently until the sauce reaches its desired consistency.

Step Eight: 

Serve your homemade Instant Pot cabbage rolls topped with sauce, and enjoy!

What to Serve With Cabbage Rolls

Serve your stuffed cabbage with complementary sides to create a well-rounded meal. Classic accompaniments include mashed potatoes for a comforting combination, steamed vegetables for a healthy balance, or a crisp garden salad for a refreshing contrast.

You can also pair them with crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the flavorful sauce.

FAQs

Can I make a vegetarian or vegan filling for my stuffed cabbage?

Absolutely! You can make delicious vegetarian or vegan cabbage rolls using ingredients like lentils, quinoa, mushrooms, or tofu as a filling.

How do I prevent the cabbage rolls from falling apart during cooking?

Tuck in the sides of the cabbage leaves tightly when rolling them up to help secure the filling inside. Additionally, arranging the rolls seam-side down in the Instant Pot can help prevent them from unraveling during cooking.

For how long can leftover Instant Pot cabbage rolls be kept fresh?

Leftover stuffed cabbage can be refrigerated in an airtight container for 3-4 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months for longer storage.

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